Paracetamol Marel (Paracetamol)

Paracetamol is used to treat fever and a range of mild to moderate pain conditions.

• Fever: reduces elevated body temperature and provides comfort.
• Headache: alleviates tension‑type and migraine‑associated pain.
• Musculoskeletal pain: eases aches from strain or minor injury.
• Toothache: relieves dental pain.
• Menstrual cramps: diminishes dysmenorrhea discomfort.

• Paracetamol exerts its analgesic and antipyretic effects primarily by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes in the central nervous system, especially COX‑2, which reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins involved in pain signaling and thermoregulation. The drug’s weak peripheral anti‑inflammatory activity reflects limited COX inhibition outside the brain, allowing fever reduction and pain relief without significant anti‑inflammatory effects.

Paracetamol may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are mild and reversible.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild stomach upset.
• Abdominal discomfort: occasional stomach pain.
• Rash: transient skin irritation.
• Headache: occasional worsening of headache.
• Elevated liver enzymes: mild, reversible changes.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Hepatotoxicity: severe liver injury, especially with overdose.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: rare severe skin reaction.
• Anaphylaxis: rare allergic shock.
• Blood disorders: thrombocytopenia or neutropenia.
• Hypotension: rare drop in blood pressure.

When using Paracetamol, certain precautions should be observed to minimize risk.

• Pregnancy: limit use, especially in the third trimester, and follow medical advice.
• Liver disease: avoid or use reduced dose under supervision.
• Alcohol consumption: limit intake to reduce hepatotoxic risk.
• Drug interactions: review concomitant medications for potential interactions.
• Overdose risk: do not exceed recommended total daily dose.
• Store at room temperature: keep in original packaging, protect from moisture and heat.

Paracetamol can interact with other medicines, requiring attention to avoid adverse outcomes.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Warfarin: increased anticoagulant effect, risk of bleeding.
• Isoniazid: heightened risk of liver toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Alcohol: additive hepatotoxic potential.
• Carbamazepine: may reduce paracetamol plasma levels.
• Phenobarbital: increased metabolism leading to lower efficacy.
• Oral contraceptives: may slightly increase liver enzyme activity.